What others say about us

Fox Williams is recognised by the two pre-eminent legal directories; Chambersand The Legal 500. This is what they say about the firm:

Capital Markets: AIM

The "creative and highly intelligent"Richie Clark of Fox Williams LLP has a wealth of AIM experience, notably in the natural resources and technology sectors. One source recounts that his "highly commercial approach saved money, avoided surprises and minimised our reactionary workflow."(Chambers, 2017)

Proficient in a large variety of capital markets work. Praised for its skill in IPOs, dual listings and share placings. Particularly strong in work involving the natural resources, technology, financial services and retail sectors. (Chambers UK, 2015)

Client Service

"Very commercial and effective, and are able to offer a depth of resource across a range of disciplines. They're very good in the share placing and IPO space."(Chambers UK, 2015)

"We use Fox Williams as our first port of call for what we need in relation to AIM and the capital markets, and have no plans to change." (Chambers UK, 2015)

"You get a much more direct, more flexible, more personal form of contact." (Chambers UK, 2014)

"They've always been very good at breaking it down into language we understand."(Chambers UK, 2014)

Key Individuals:

Richie Clark is highly esteemed by clients for his capital markets expertise and the level of service he provides. Sources state: "He has a great ability to communicate effectively, interacting and explaining complex situations in a clear manner. He acts like a member of our team in creating solutions to any situation to our company's interest."(Chambers UK, 2015)

Richie Clark’s team is ‘service-oriented, motivated and highly commercial'. Having floated Edge Resources in 2012, Clark acted for the company on a series of placings including a recent £2.1m offering. (Legal 500, 2014)

Head of the department Richie Clark is "unbelievably easy to work with," according to interviewees, who also praise his knowledge of this sphere.(Chambers UK, 2014)

‘Very client-focused: they certainly understand the international companies and how they operate’. (Chambers, UK 2016)

‘They did an excellent job and were very proactive, helping not only in the legal process but also in the commercial aspects and negotiations. They added a lot of value to the team in their legal aspects and experience of the process’. (Chambers, 2016)

Emerging as a highly proficient player in the lower mid-market. Features an interesting array of sector expertise, including technology, media, natural resources and professional partnership mergers. (Chambers UK, 2015)

The ‘commercial' team at Fox Williams LLP is ‘very good at giving practical and useful advice'. Over 25% of its M&A activity in 2013 was in the technology and digital sector; other industry specialisms include financial services and natural resources. The team’s impressive client base includes a number of listed companies, including Plexus Holdings, City of London Group and GFI Group. (Legal 500, 2014)

Key Individuals:

Paul Osborne is described by clients as being "extremely commercially astute and driven to succeed." He was recently appointed as the firm's senior partner. (Chambers UK, 2015)

Douglas Preece‘can always be relied on to provide timely and solid advice irrespective of how unreasonable the deadlines might be’. (Legal 500, 2013)

"They're always available. We knew we could always get hold of them and we never felt unsupported." (Chambers UK, 2015)

"We found them to be very helpful, professional and proactive. We were very pleased with their service."(Chambers UK, 2015)

Commercial Contracts

"I found them to be very good; they were very knowledgeable and their advice was sound." (Chambers, 2017)

Stephen Sidkin is held in high regard for his significant expertise in commercial transactions. He is particularly highlighted for his in-depth knowledge of agency agreements. Impressed sources say that "he knows his stuff and is highly efficient," and also mention "he is a good technical lawyer steeped in commercial law."

‘They do an excellent job. They have a deep knowledge of the practice area, and they give excellent, appropriate advice. The strength of the team is outstanding’. (Chambers, 2016)

‘Everyone I deal with at the firm exhibits a deep level of commitment, and I would have no hesitation recommending them to others’. (Chambers, 2016)

Flotations: Small and Mid-cap

Fox Williams LLP’s ‘business-oriented’ practice is noted for its ‘deep knowledge of the natural resources sector’. Other sector specialisms include energy, technology, financial services and retail. ‘Innovative and solutions-oriented’ corporate head Richie Clark and Andrew Woolf are names to note. (Legal 500, 2016)

Within Partnership,

"A fantastic, top-notch team of great depth and breadth." (Chambers, 2017)

Gavin Foggo is a "very good and effective litigator," sought out in partnership-related disputes for his "very impressive command of the subject and factual information," and for his "ability to give solid legal and commercial advice not only as to the merits of the case, but also as to how matters are likely to pan out." (Chambers, 2017)

Tina Williams is generally acknowledged as a "complete expert in this field," set apart by her "extraordinary depth of knowledge and experience, especially for bigger picture, strategic issues" on the non-contentious side, including cross-jurisdictional mergers. Sources also prize her as "an experienced, measured and calm voice in the noise of stressful situations: she tells you how it is." (Chambers, 2017)

"They're very dedicated to client service which is very important to us, and they work at the same speed as we do." (Chambers, 2017)

Fox Williams LLP stands out for its ‘combination of significant non-contentious expertise with a very effective litigation team’. Practice head Tina Williams ‘understands how professional service firms work’ and acted alongside Douglas Preece for rural estates business Smiths Gore on its £40m sale to Savills. Other key figures include Gavin Foggo, who is a ‘superb litigator’, and Daniel Sutherland, who is ‘a pleasure to work with’. (Legal 500, 2016)

‘Very responsive, clear and concise, straight-talking – you get it as you need to hear it’. (Chambers UK, 2016)

‘They specialise in the area, which helps us because of the increasing focus on the international aspects of partnership matters. They have deep specialisation and know the laws in different jurisdictions and have sensitivity to tax issues. They offer a strategic overview globally’. (Chambers UK, 2016)

Hailed as one of the country's leading partnership practices, offering the whole gamut of services for professional practices. Areas of strength include regulatory, disciplinary, strategic management advice, negotiation of mergers and team moves. Also skilled in work involving larger international structures, particularly US law firms and private equity houses. (Chambers UK, 2015)

Key Individuals:

Described as "one of the very best partnership litigators," Gavin Foggo is head of the firm's litigation and dispute resolution department. Sources appreciate that he "tries his best to reduce the heat and acrimony that is being produced, to try and get to as sensible and good an answer as you can."(Chambers UK, 2015)

Tina Williams is an outstanding partnership lawyer, displaying talent across the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious matters. Recently she advised Fulbright & Jaworski LLP on its merger with Norton Rose. A client states: "We have every confidence in her judgement and legal ability. We go to her as our first port of call."(Chambers UK, 2015)

Daniel Sutherland is a partner with particular knowledge of regulatory issues which affect US law firms. Sources state: "I can't speak highly enough of him. He's a detailed guy, strategic in how he thinks about things, and has energy but a sense of calm about him." (Chambers UK, 2015)

Tina Williams is lauded as ‘hugely experienced, thoughtful, and highly conscientious on both contentious and transactional matters'. (Legal 500, 2014)

Gavin Foggo stands out for his litigation expertise. The ‘highly responsive'(Legal 500, 2014)

The "phenomenal" Tina Williams has an outstanding reputation for non-contentious partnership matters, and earns exceptional praise for her talents on the structuring side. She advises a number of overseas clients on cross-border partnership issues. Sources say: "Clients get confidence from the fact they can trust her judgement. She's very measured." Williams' partnership agreements are esteemed as "velvet handcuffs: very easy to put on, impossible to get out of." (Chambers UK, 2014)

Gavin Foggo is a superb litigator, involved in partnership disputes and arbitrations, predominantly on the side of the individual. His long-term experience in this area is particularly valued, with one client asserting that "he has a very holistic view – he always has the end goal in mind." (Chambers UK, 2014)

Client Service

"Superb. Very good outfit, strength and depth." (Chambers UK, 2015)

"What's characteristic in that firm is they're very realistic about how to achieve the right result. They navigate the sensitive areas of the law and they have a strong legal capability." (Chambers UK, 2015)

"Top-notch in my opinion. World-class."(Chambers UK, 2014)

"The lawyers are really good with working to tight deadlines - they aren't phased by them. If anything, they surpassed expectations." (Chambers UK, 2014)

"It is clearly an area which they know very well. They're very good professionally and the insight they have is unique and very helpful." (Chambers, 2017)

"They have a good level of practical knowledge and they're very efficient in how they deal with it. The support I get from them is first-rate." (Chambers, 2017)

Peter Wright is highly regarded for the quality of representation he offers when it comes to handling FCA investigation activities, whether that be for corporate clients or individuals. Interviewees highlight his "excellent interpersonal skills" as well as his "cerebral" approach to solving complex legal problems. (Chambers, 2017)

James Carlton is a commercial crime and compliance partner at Fox Williams LLP. Sources note: "He inspires total confidence from his clients, has a wonderful knack of making them feel comfortable and superbly represented, while not pulling any punches in terms of problems they may face." (Chambers, 2017)

Fox Williams LLP benefits from ‘strength and experience in the financial services field’. It is particularly well respected for its contentious expertise, where Peter Wright ‘combines technical knowledge with good judgement and a natural instinct for enforcement litigation’. James Carlton (‘always calm in a crisis’) is also recommended, as is Nigel Brahams (who is ‘very knowledgeable about current regulatory hot topics including MiFID II’) and ‘Fintech hotshot’ Jonathan Segal. (Legal 500, 2016)

‘Always calm in a crisis’, James Carlton is ‘extremely experienced in the criminal enforcement regimes’. (Legal 500, 2015)

‘I have formed a very favourable impression of the firm. Through my relationship on a number of matters, I have come to work with a number of partners in different disciplines. All have been excellent’. (Chambers, 2016)

Audrey Williams "has a thorough grasp of the commercial practicalities of so many aspects of employment law and its practical application in the workplace." (Chambers, 2017)

Jane Mann is well renowned for her severance negotiations work and is said to be "highly knowledgeable, with excellent experience and judgement." (Chambers, 2017)

"They are very good at being proactive - they put on a load of seminars and tell their clients on a timely basis about changes in legislation and things they should be thinking about." (Chambers, 2017)

‘What they are fantastic at is giving commercial, practical advice’. (Chambers, 2016)

Fox Williams LLP has an active contentious practice, and is commended for its ‘tough, pragmatic and no-fuss approach’. (Legal 500, 2015)

Works with employers and senior executives across the full breadth of employment law. Experienced in advising on City disputes such as team moves, whistle-blowing claims and claims relating to bonuses. (Chambers UK, 2015)

Key Individuals:

Joanna Chatterton's practice covers both litigation and advisory work for employers. She is described as being "extremely easy to work with" and noted for "giving good advice and explaining things in a pragmatic, non-legalistic way." (Chambers UK, 2015)

Jane Mann "impresses with her ability to get to the crux of a matter." She heads the firm's employment practice and has a wealth of experience, which leads sources to recommend her for "complicated and high-risk matters because she has the experience to see things from a potential litigant's perspective."(Chambers UK, 2015)

Market commentators hold Jane Mann in high esteem on account of the "sensible and commercial view" she typically adopts. She is perceived to have a thorough understanding of the financial services sector and is a "major name within this arena." Her practice encompasses work for both respondent and claimant clients. (Chambers UK, 2014)

Joanna Chatterton is said to operate a "very client-focused" practice and is deemed a "thoroughly professional practitioner." She was involved in the Raphael Geys litigation. (Chambers UK, 2014)

Key partner Mark Watson is frequently engaged to advise on discrimination matters. He was recently instructed by Higher Nature to provide advice on an age discrimination claim. (Chambers UK, 2014)

Client Service

"They have got a very commercial approach to employment issues and a very good understanding of the commercial reality because they know that applying the law on the ground can be trickier than reading it out of a textbook."(Chambers UK, 2015)

"They understand the subtleties of our industry and they're very discreet."(Chambers UK, 2014)

"They are very supportive and explain the complexities of legislation in a very simple manner. They really put themselves out for us." (Chambers UK, 2014)

Clients say Liz Ruff"consistently demonstrates a commanding knowledge of her field and is always diligent and timely in her response." (Chambers, 2017)

Simon Smith is considered by his clients to be "a commercially minded solicitor who gets to the nub of the issue quickly, providing pragmatic advice and solutions." (Chambers, 2017)

Fox Williams LLP’s practice is led by Phillip Hope, who provides ‘smart, relevant advice’ to clients such as FM Global and Tennants Consolidated. Also of note is the ‘extremely experienced’ Simon Smith and the well-regarded Elizabeth Ruff, who jointly advised on a number of substantial leasehold acquisitions. (Legal 500, 2016)

Simon Smith offers advice on the full range of property matters. Clients say: "Whenever we have a question we call him and it's great, no problems at all. He's very dependable and we never have any issues with any advice he gives us."(Chambers UK, 2015)

Clients described Liz Ruff as "technically awesome and great fun to work with." She specialises in landlord and tenant matters for corporate occupiers and retailers.(Chambers UK, 2015)

Simon Bennett of Fox Williams LLP has an all-embracing IP practice and an estimable client following in energy, fashion, financial services, IT and media. Sources say he has "very good strategic vision" and makes "clear recommendations."